SVEN-GORAN Eriksson is set to hand Michael Owen an immediate recall to the England side for tonight's World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland.

And Joe Cole is poised to miss out.

Owen, absent from the weekend win against Wales because of suspension, has not played a competitive game so far this season.

However, while Eriksson had to be convinced of the England striker's fitness, he restored him as the spearhead of a 4-3-3 formation in last night's final practice session at Windsor Park.

Wayne Rooney was shifted slightly to the left - replacing Cole, who was demoted to the reserves - while Shaun Wright-Phillips kept his place on the right flank.

With David Beckham kept in a central holding role, it mirrored the line-up used in a friendly against Holland at Villa Park last season, with only two defensive changes - Rio Ferdinand and Luke Young for Wes Brown and Gary Neville.

Chance

That game ended as a frustrating goalless draw, but Eriksson is hoping for a different outcome tonight, even though the pitch has been narrowed to restrict England's approach play.

Owen is nevertheless set to be given the chance to score the goal which would draw him level with Gary Lineker's haul of 22 competitive strikes for England.

Eriksson declared: "Michael Owen's goalscoring record is incredible and, especially in important and difficult games, he's always been up there.

"For me, it's enough if he goes on playing for England as he's been doing in the important games we've had since I came to this country. He's always been extremely gifted.

"If he's fit, he deserves to play and he has always shown that. If selected, my only concern is that he might not be able to run for 90 minutes.

"But he played six of Real Madrid's eight pre-season friendlies, scoring goals, and he looks rather fit."

Owen, who insists he is ready to start tonight's match, has missed just three of the 31 competitive games since Eriksson took charge - two through injury and one due to his ban in Cardiff - and has scored 15 goals in the process.

And Owen's former Real Madrid team-mate Beckham added: "Michael is one of best goalscorers England have produced, any team with him in it is dangerous."

Decision

It had been expected that Wright-Phillips would make way, but the Chelsea winger's greater attacking powers seem to have won over Eriksson despite Cole's winning goal in Cardiff.

"It is always a difficult decision to take players out, especially when we won the last game, but that is my job," said the England coach.

Not that he was giving away anything about his line-up, having been frustrated at the leaking of his tactics and team to face Wales last weekend.

Indeed, he was positive about Cole's international prospects, adding: "Since Christmas last season, he has become a very important player.

"He's more effective attacking-wise and especially defending. He will make part of this squad for as long as he is performing as he does."

As for Wright-Phillips, Eriksson revealed: "He gives you width and he's doing that very well."

Eriksson's one over-riding concern, however, remains the form and fitness of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.

Lampard, who is set to play in behind Wright-Phillips, has started the season slowly, while Gerrard, who is destined to tuck in behind Rooney on the left side of the midfield trio, has only just returned from injury.

"I know the best formation, and maybe the best formation we played was the diamond or 4-4-2, but to play a diamond you need three central midfielders to be fit," admitted Eriksson.